Social Science Research Analyst

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Job description

**Opportunity**

Abt Associates seeks a qualified Social Science Research Analyst in the Social and Economic Policy (SEP) division to support research and evaluation, and/or technical assistance projects across SEP's portfolio of clients, including the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Education, Health and Human Services, Labor, Veterans Affairs, state and local governments, and foundations. Analysts will use independent judgment and discretion and apply standard quantitative and/or qualitative research methods and project management techniques in their work. They will work on assignments that are moderately complex under indirect supervision where there is latitude for independent action and decision-making. Analysts will gain knowledge and experience across a range of projects within SEP's market areas-(1) Housing, Communities, and Asset Building; (2) Workforce and Economic Mobility; and (3) Education, Youth, and Families. Analysts will gain knowledge in the market areas and develop their professional skills in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, systematic evidence reviews, analytic reasoning, verbal and written communication, project management, and business development.

**Key Roles and Responsibilities**

Analysts will take on a diverse set of roles and responsibilities. Potential job responsibilities include:

+ Collect, compile, validate, interpret, and analyze quantitative and/or qualitative data and trends using standard practices and techniques in the field(s) of specialization.

+ Perform computer modeling, simulation, or simple to moderately complex forecasting using standard software packages, such as STATA, SAS, SPSS, or other specialized applications.

+ Support qualitative data collection and analysis by drafting data collection protocols; supporting senior staff in conducting focus groups, interviews, or site visits; taking notes or creating interview transcripts; and coding and summarizing interview data.

+ Conduct literature reviews using internet and database search techniques, and summarize relevant information for projects and proposals.

+ Apply a set of standards to reviewing journal abstracts, articles, and publications to identify a body of research on a specific topic that meets the set of standards.

+ Contribute to written deliverables to include drafting research findings for a wide variety of audiences through memos, briefs, and reports.

+ Develop charts, graphs, and presentations to present research findings using data visualization software.

+ Apply knowledge of intermediate-level computer-based word processing applications, spreadsheets, and database applications.

+ Use project management skills to complete assigned tasks according to project plans, timelines, budget, and quality standards.

+ Train and supervise less experienced staff on research and analysis tasks.

+ Participate in business development efforts by contributing to the proposal development process. For example, by managing components of the proposal, assisting with drafting proposal sections, or serving as a proposal manager.

**Preferred Qualifications**

+ Project management skills

+ Strong writing and communication skills

+ Experience with qualitative research methods, such as focus groups, interviews, ethnographies, and/or quantitative research skills such as STATA, SAS, SPSS, or other statistical programming applications

+ Knowledge and experience in SEP's market areas: housing, community revitalization, education, workforce development, income security, food assistance, and programs that support children, youth, and disadvantaged families

+ Experience with equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives or research

**Minimum Qualifications**

+ Bachelor's Degree + Three years of relevant experience, or Master's Degree

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

_This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of approximately $52,000 to $63,000 and may vary by ten percent depending on candidate geographic location. Salary offers are made based on internal equity and market analysis._

_Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment._

The Social and Economic Policy Division helps guide development of the nation's prominent policies and programs. Our contributions-at all government levels-have resulted in better programs on housing, community revitalization, education, workforce development, income security, food assistance, and in support of children, youth, and disadvantaged families. Our clients include the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Education, Health and Human Services, Labor, Veterans Affairs, and the Food and Nutrition Service, among others.

At Abt Associates, we are committed to creating a lasting culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that in order to achieve full participation, our practices must be free of prejudice, discrimination, and bias that result in inequitable outcomes. We are actively working to advance equity for everyone, and while we still have much work to do, we know that racial and cultural diversity are an asset to our business and the communities where we live and serve. Our ongoing commitment is focused on creating business practices that advance racial and social equity, investments in community impact programs for the benefit of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and expand upon project work related to racial equity and social justice.

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